Saint Ignatius College Geelong
As you are aware, we have all been through a lot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this has impacted our young people’s lives. And now they would be aware of and could be worried about the Ukraine-Russia war from media reports. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine brings new images of war to the nightly news, many parents may be wondering: How do I explain the evolving situation to my children? I came across the following advice in “Principals’ digests” (Vol. 28, No. 15) that you may find helpful.
We should remember that children pick up on the moods and feelings of the adults around them. Therefore, integrating the topic into the family conversation at some point could be helpful as well as finding other ways to alleviate stress if children are feeling anxious.
Limit your news consumption in front of the children
While it is tempting to stay glued to the news cycle, watching developments and political reactions, our children don’t need to view every breaking news alert. Use your phone or other devices to view them more discretely if you need updates.
Get outside and move
Take the time to get outside with your children to take a break and play a game. Getting outside can also help us all deal with the pandemic and the mounting anxiety we all feel from time to time.
Emphasise what we can control
It can be hard to answer questions from kids when there is so much uncertainty. “Will Russia bomb us next?” “Is this the start of World War III?” “What will happen to the kids hiding in the shelters?” are a few hard questions cast at parents from young and perceptive minds. While it can be alluring as a parent to say, “It’s all going to be OK,” focusing on the present moment may be the most honest approach with kids. “We can say, ‘Today we are safe. We are grateful for what we have. We’re going to do something fun this weekend. We get to take a walk.”
Engage older children who may be ready for more mature conversations about world events
Finding reliable news sources that will present unbiased information without a political bent is valuable in keeping the conversation informative.
Recognise when it’s all become too much
Validating concerns to children who may be worried about Russia-Ukraine is a helpful way to show you are listening and compassionate. While it can be easy to dismiss a concern as silly, addressing a child’s worry is a cue for parents to sit down and pause and talk to a child about their feelings.
Do not minimise what your child is feeling, even if you think they are being overdramatic … which could do harm. Instead, give them a moment, ask them to put those feelings into words if they can, and then move into ‘these are the things we can control,’ let’s focus here today.”
From an interview with Nicole Cobb published by Vanderbilt University, 11 March 2022.
Full Article: https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2022/03/11/how-to-ease-your-childs-anxiety-about-the-war-in-russia-ukraine/
At our College, there have been a number of activities available for our students in support of a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. Opportunities have included: Project Compassion fund and awareness raisers, Daily Prayer – “Peace for Ukraine” and a special prayer service.
On Tuesday 29th March, our College held the House Athletics Carnival at Landy Field Athletics Track, South Geelong. Similar to the Swimming Carnival, we did not involve the whole school. All Years 7 & 8 students attended together with those Yrs 9 – 12 students who registered for events.
The House Athletics Carnival program promoted active participation by the attending students. We strongly encouraged fair, fun and friendly competition. Our Sports Coordinator, Mr Andrew Philp, explains, “We do not expect students to be ‘super athletes,’ but we do have a clear expectation that they will involve themselves in the carnival by ‘having a go’.” Students who were unable to participate were involved where possible by undertaking the roles of ‘carnival Assistants’ and helpers.
The carnival was conducted on a very pleasant autumn day, and I commend our students for their participation and cooperation at Landy Field. Thank you to Mr Philp and all staff members involved in organizing and running this busy day.
Congratulations to the winning house – Bradman! Age champions will be announced at a later date. There were many outstanding performances, and Mr Philp will provide more details soon. Well done!
This term, we have provided four tour and information sessions for visitors. Each session was very well attended. There will be another two sessions available early next term on Thursday 28th April before Yr 7 2023 enrolment applications close on 6th May 2022. This closing date also applies when a sibling is already enrolled at the College. Please see our website for dates & times and how to book a visit.
If you know of any parent considering secondary schooling for their child, please encourage them to book a visit or apply for enrolment.
It is hard to believe that next week is the last week of term one!
Please note that the last day for classes this term is will be Thursday 7th April. There will be no classes on Friday 8th April due to the online Parent, Student & Teacher Conferences.
Term One Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences
Our learning management system, “Canvas”, is a valuable online platform that is a fundamental support to our teaching and learning programs. If you haven’t already, I suggest you ask your daughter/son to show you the features of Canvas, including courses and assessments to date. Monitoring your daughters/son’s progress by accessing Canvas will help you affirm good practices and achievements and raise areas of concern. In addition, these discussion points would help prepare for the end-of-term Parent, Student & Teacher conferences.
A reminder that these meetings will be conducted online via Zoom. The time period available will be in the last week of term one on the afternoon and evening of Thursday 7th April (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm) and the morning of Friday 8th April (9.00 am – 12.00 noon.) Please note that we expect students to attend the meetings with their parent/guardian and teacher. You are most welcome to use these online meetings to meet teachers, discuss progress and address concerns. Instructions on booking appointments will be emailed to parents/guardians by Deputy Principal, Ms Bernadette Donnelly.
Staff changes
We farewell Mr Andrew Rose (Design & Technology Teacher), who finishes at the end of this term. Mr Leigh Hodge will be the replacement teacher.
We wish Ms Laura Taylor-Payne (Yr 11 Homeroom and Yrs 9 - 11 Health & Physical Education Teacher) and Ms Caitlin Doble (Yr 8 Homeroom and Yrs 7 – 9 Humanities Teacher) all the best for their Long Service Leave during terms two & three. Ms Georgia Robinson & Ms Tatiana Koshewnikow will be the replacement teachers, respectively.
We thank Ms Martina Gulino, who covered Mr Christian Berti’s (Yrs 7 & 8 Italian and Yr 8 Humanities, Yr 8 Cura Personalis and Yr 12 RE) classes during term one. Mr Berti will return at the beginning of next term
Easter falls in the middle of the term one holidays this year. On the first Sunday of these holidays, we will celebrate Palm Sunday, the commencement of Holy Week. This special week is the final one in our journey through Lent. It is especially significant and sacred as it calls to mind for Christians the last week of Jesus’ life in preparation for his death and, most significantly, his resurrection.
On Tuesday 5th April, the College will gather on the basketball courts at 12:12 pm for an Easter Liturgy to reflect on this special time and help prepare our students for the celebration of Easter.
Easter is the high point of the Christian year – the most important of our celebrations. Please consider taking your family to one of the many Church services over the Easter break to support further your daughter or son’s faith development.
Please note that all students must wear full winter uniform for terms two and three. However, as there may be some hot days early next term, students may wear summer uniform on any hot days for the first two weeks of term two.
Please check the Student Planner for details about what can and cannot be worn. Please note that the summer shirt with the logo is not to be worn as part of the winter uniform as it is not made to be worn with a tie. The college uniform long-sleeve shirt is to be worn with a tie and is compulsory with the winter uniform for boys and girls. Also, the kilt must be worn no longer than mid-calf with navy blue tights or stockings.
Please note that next term’s classes commence on Tuesday 26th April 2022.
I wish our students and staff a very enjoyable and restful holiday break.
May Easter bring you and your family hope, peace and joy,
Michael Exton
Principal
As Term One draws to a close our senses are somewhat muted. Our daily lives are a blur of activity. The world around us it tumultuous – Ukraine, politics, floods, school work, Smith v Rock, family life – there is so much information we are numbed and overwhelmed with the weight of information we encounter each day. Although we enjoy each day, we notice that as the term nears an end they rush by in a blur and we begin to look forward to the holidays and a rest. So much noise surrounds us at this time we long for peace and the promise of a moments silence. These events in our family lives can illuminate for us the Easter Narrative.
The cacophony that surrounds us is a fitting allegory to the invasion of Ukraine. The people of Ukraine suffer under the terror and violence of war along with the ceaseless din of war. The endless tumult tears away the rational perception of the world; stripping away hope and happiness. The people of Ukraine withstand these pressures until the can no longer stand the terror and disorder of the bombing. Today some four million Ukrainians have fled their homeland and have become refugees in neighbouring countries. The number of internally displaced people is unknown but is thought to be approximately six and a half million people. Here in Australia we are appalled by the violence directed toward the people of Ukraine because of the Russian invasion.
Our lives may seem full of noise at times like these. The busyness of family life offers so many competing concerns that we can feel rudderless as priorities wash over us competing for our time and attention. Plans need to be made so families can enjoy time together. COVID still interrupts our lives in so many ways. Weekend sporting commitments are either entering finals or a new season is beginning, depending on the sport you play. In and amongst these things are relationships that so desperately need attention and love, that patiently wait whilst we rush through the end of another term.
With these observations in mind now is the perfect time to prepare for Easter. All of the tension that we perceive is a perfect vehicle for us to experience Holy Week in a new and profound way.
On Palm Sunday we join the crowd who cheer Jesus’ entry in to the Holy City. What a clamour; thousands upon thousands shouting Hosanna! When Jesus gathered with his friends at the Last Supper there was so much noise – singing, shouting, storytelling – encountering others and offering love creates an uproar. On Good Friday we move through Jerusalem with Jesus. We witness the agony, the screaming, the insults, the terror and the vile nature of humanity. We hear Jesus cry out to the Lord and offer up his spirit. The earth shakes and the veil in the temple is ripped in half. Then the awful guttural wailing begins. So much noise.
We then enter the silence. On Easter Saturday “there is a great silence over the earth, a great silence, and stillness, a great silence because the King sleeps; the earth was in terror and was still, because God slept in the flesh and raised up those who were sleeping from the ages”. In the silence we rest. It is in the silence where transformation occurs. In the silence we are able to encounter God. On Easter Sunday the stone has been rolled away and the tomb is empty – silence. Jesus meets the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, they don’t hear him coming. He meets the disciples in the upper room, he appears silently. At Easter we celebrate the silence. We a renewed by the pause. In that moment we find peace. In the silence we experience the world anew.
As our term ends prepare yourself for the silence. The day will be what it will be. A time of rest is coming. New life is near.
We pray for peace. We pray that the people of Ukraine will soon encounter the silence and live in peace. We pray that one day soon their concerns are about ‘normal’ things; the things that now, for us, create such a cacophony.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls
Liturgy Coordinator
The Silence
Deep silence
It has been great to see the student engagement in the Year 7 and 8 Cura Personalis program over the last two weeks. Thank you to the wonderful staff who are offering such a variety of learning experiences. Our students have had the choice of being involved in GISSA Sports training in the sports of girls and boys soccer, AFL and netball or one of the many Enrichment activities; Art, Crafting Cards, track and field, textiles, tennis, STEM, Lego Masters, drama, Environmental Club, Japanese Animae, film appreciation, fishing, golf and jewellery making.
Don’t forget to book your interview times for next week’s Student Parent Teacher Conferences. Bookings open Friday 1 April and close Wednesday 6 April. If you have any questions please contact ICT.
Friday 8 April is a student free day as this is the second day of Student Parent Teacher Conferences.
Bernadette Donnelly
Deputy Principal (Learning and Teaching)
Term 2 will see the trial commencement of one of the key recommendations from the Pastoral Structure Review.
A weekly Mentor Time be adopted across the whole school within the current timetable structure to allow for the important relationships to develop between the Mentor Teacher and their Mentor / Homeroom group. The Mentor Time needs to be structured to ensure its meaningful and purposeful. The role of this Mentor Teacher and Mentor Time would allow each student to be known and feel valued within our College.
To implement this particular trial there was a requirement to alter the current timetable. One of the most significant changes to the timetable has been the removal of afternoon homeroom. This has allowed for a period of time to be allocated once a week, which is referred to as Mentor Time. As the recommendation indicates, the Mentor Time is designed to foster those important relationships that are required for our students to feel valued, known and cared for.
Bell Times |
Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri |
Tues – Mentor Day |
Homeroom Period 1 Period 2 |
8.50am 9.00am 9.48am |
- 8.50am 9.35am |
Mentor Time |
10.20am |
|
RECESS |
10.36am |
10.55am |
Period 3 Period 4 |
11.05am 11.53am |
11.15am 12.00pm |
LUNCH |
12.41pm |
12.45pm |
Period 5 Period 6 |
1.29pm 2.17pm |
1.35pm 2.20pm |
End of Day |
3.05pm |
3.05pm |
The program that has been devised for Term 2 will include activities and lessons that are designed to enhance our students wellbeing, build relationships amongst staff and students and further develop our students capicity to use self-reflection as a key to improvement..
This is an exciting initiative and one that I am sure will be embraced by all students.
Michael Timms
Deputy Principal - Students
After school on Thursday 24th March, Saint Ignatius College hosted the annual CLOGS Launch Dinner. CLOGS (Catholic Leaders of Geelong Secondary Schools) is a group of students, generally College captains and College vice captains. College Principals, Deputy Principals and student leadership coordinators were also in attendance.
The Launch Dinner is a great way for the students to connect with like-minded people from Catholic secondary schools in the region. Students from each college presented a slideshow of their school’s history, leadership models and traditions.
Emily Green and Sam Hines (College Captains) MC’d the event in a very friendly and professional manner. Audrey Hughan and Toby Mew (College Vice Captains) joined Sam & Emily for the Saint Ignatius presentation. I was extremely impressed with their depth of understanding of the mission and vision of Saint Ignatius College and how well they were able to articulate this to members of the other schools.
Thank you to Michael Exton, Michael Timms and Robyn Frigo for their support with the event. A massive thank you also to Kim Abbott who organised the catering and to David Alexander for photography.
Anthony Gravener
Student Leadership Development Coordinator
Palm Sunday
9th April
6pm Vigil St Philip and St James St Leonards
10th April
9am St Thomas Drysdale
9am St Patricks Portarlington
10:30am Lumen Christi Leopold
Holy Thursday
14th April at 7pm St Thomas, Drysdale
Good Friday
15th April at 3pm St Thomas, Drysdale and at 3pm St Patricks, Portarlington
Holy Saturday
16th April at 6pm Sts Philip & James,St Leonards
6pm St Patricks, Portarlington
7pm Lumen Christi, Leopold
Easter Sunday
17th April
9am St Patricks, Portarlington
9am St Thomas, Drysdale
10.30am Lumen Christi.
Unfortunately there are significant global events currently taking place. At times, it can be hard to comprehend and upsetting to read and hear about. This is particularly the case for many young people who are also experiencing compounding stress and overwhelm around COVID-19, typical teenage issues and complex family dynamics.
Constant media coverage through apps, the television, the radio and the internet can be unhealthy at such times. Although it is often helpful to be aware of the issues across the world, saturation of this can increase stress, cause a sense of hypervigilance and influence and effect the safety and wellbeing of our young people
The below resources may be helpful for parents/carers/guardians to speak to their child about these issues to reassure them and provide guidance to them during this challenging time.
Emerging Minds Video: Talking to children about natural disasters, traumatic events, or worries about the future - https://vimeo.com/394049129
Raising Children (Australian Parenting Website): Disaster News and Distressing News Events – Supporting Teenagers - https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/media/disaster-news-supporting-teens#disaster-news-distressing-news-events-and-teenagers-nav-title
Reach Out: Helping your teen deal with the stress of a natural disaster - https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/everyday-issues/things-to-try-stress/helping-your-teen-deal-with-stress-from-a-natural-disaster?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MKTG%20220316_Schools%20March%202022_Bad%20World%20News_NK&utm_content=MKTG%20220316_Schools%20March%202022_Bad%20World%20News_NK+CID_af1d0500f52fa1e285c3e690bd01b32d&utm_source=ROemailCM&utm_term=Share%20with%20parents
Australian Childhood Foundation
Our hearts and prayers go out to those suffering this war and oppression.
From the Student Wellbeing Team
A wellbeing day was once again organised and presented to our entire Year 11 cohort on Tuesday 22 March. The theme for the day was to encourage a strong and capable sense of self through mindful movement, positive mindsets and healthy relationships. With the aim of addressing some of the key wellbeing issues that have emerged among this cohort, there were three rotating sessions run throughout the day:
The aim of the day was to allow students and homeroom teachers alike to take some time away from the busy classroom environment to connect and reflect on how they are managing their own health and wellbeing. Everyone got to enjoy a fantastic lunchbox as well… always a highlight!
We would like to thank our providers for the day - Dunefolk and Jem Fuller - as well as the Year 11 homeroom teachers who spent the day with their homerooms. A special thanks also to the Year 11 Coordinator, Mrs Alex Simpson, for her support of the day.
Prepared by the Wellbeing Team - Liv, Mel and Sarah
ILC News
With the theme ‘Everyone Belongs”, the College celebrated Harmony Week 2022 from March 21st – March 27th. During the week we had a variety of fun filled activities such as the weekly ILC Quiz and live Kahoot’s relating to Cultural Diversity, Harmony Week and multicultural foods. On Thursday we welcomed a visiting Chinese Fan Dancer Bonnie for some Traditional Chinese Dancing at lunchtime in the ILC. Many students joined in the fun of learning Traditional Chinese Fan Dancing. It was a lot of fun and laughs by all who participated. On Friday the entries in the Harmony Week Photography Competition were showcased in the ILC with students embracing the Harmony Week theme of ‘everyone belongs.’
It was a great week, celebrated by many students. The ILC staff look forward to celebrating Harmony Week again in 2023.
Leonie Stephenson
ILC Coordinator and ILC Staff.
Project Compassion BBQ
On Friday 25th March, the Year 11 VCAL students planned and managed a lunchtime BBQ to raise money for Project Compassion, in support of the SRC here at the College.
The smell of excitement, and sausages, permeated over the basketball courts at the end of period 4 and before they knew it, 300 very hungry students charged towards the BBQ. After a frantic cooking, serving and selling period, the students were able to take a deep breath of fresh air and sold out in a record 30 minute period.
After the clean-up and review the students were able to identify areas of improvement, as well as what worked well. The teamwork and communication of the BBQ team was to be commended! We are grateful for the support of staff in assisting with the event.
In the end, over $400.00 was raised for Project Compassion which will go towards buying and installing two working toilets for a family in Mozambique.
Kirsty Allan
VCAL Coordinator.
Our casual clothes day in support of Project Compassion was a massive success!
At last count the total from casual day donations, the cake stall and BBQ was $2666.95.
A big thanks to all those who donated and helped with different activities to support those in need. The VCE Music students provided live music, whilst Year 10 had their famous cake stall. To keep the donations coming, on Friday, Year 9 held a ‘3V3’ Basketball Competition, an art competition ‘Create for Ukraine’ and a free throw challenge. The VCAL students also ran a very successful BBQ during lunch on Friday.
Both days were a great way to raise money for Project Compassion, and the way everyone got involved was awesome!
Isabel Gee
Year 9 SRC Representative
On Thursday 24th March, the Year 11 and Year 12 VCAL students assisted with the running of the Saint Thomas Primary Schools Tabloids Sports morning.
Students managed and organised six activities on the oval including three legged races, egg and spoon race, nerf ball dodge and hockey stick dribbling. Mr Saltalamacchia from Saint Thomas Primary was grateful to the students for all their energy, enthusiasm and help on the day.
It was a fantastic morning and fabulous to observe the mature way that our students engaged and lead the Primary School students in their events. Our students displayed positive role modelling, initiative and great communication skills – which are transferable into any workplace! Applying these transferable skills in a variety of settings allows WRS and PDS teachers to observe our students growth in the VCAL program.
One of the highlights of the event was that for some of our Year 12 students – including, Matthew Warrick, Patrick Brady and Luke Preece, it was a trip down memory lane and they were able to reminisce with the about their time spent as Grade 3/4 students all those years ago!
Kirsty Allan
VCAL Coordinator
Friday the 18th of March marked the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA). The day provided students at the College with an opportunity to stand up against bullying, promoting ‘Kindness Culture’ across the school, with an emphasis on inclusion, respect and a sense of community belonging.
This year, students were encouraged to support the promotion of ‘Kindness Culture’ by wearing a splash of pink to school. This is our take on ‘Pink Shirt Day,’ a day that began in Canada in 2007. A student was bullied and harassed for wearing a pink shirt to school, in response two students bought dozens of pink shirts and distributed them to classmates to wear the next day. Word got out online and hundreds of students showed up in pink, some from head to toe, to stand together against bullying.
1 in 5 young Australians have experienced bullying in their lives. The result is often a serious and ongoing negative impact on health and general well-being. It is our duty to stand up against bullying, creating a school community where people feel safe and supported to be their authentic self.
Remember, Kindness Culture starts with you.
Ross DeLange
Wellbeing Captain.
The Victorian Government conducted a review of the Senior School Pathways during 2019 with a particular focus on the Applied Learning (VCAL) pathway. From this review, there were 38 recommendations that were accepted by the Government and they begin implementation in schools from 2023.
Senior School Pathways are undergoing major restructuring with the introduction of the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM). The VCE VM was previously known as Intermediate and Senior VCAL. Another additional pathway, known as the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) replaces Foundation VCAL.
The VCE VM is an Applied Learning Pathway that will be imbedded in the VCE structure. Much of the VCE VM is similar to the current VCAL program – we have been able to keep the great parts of the VCAL program and enhance them for improved student outcomes. Students who might consider a VCE VM are those who are looking to undertake an apprenticeship, work or further study (TAFE or alternate entry University). They may be learners that benefit from an Applied Learning approach to teaching and are keen to study a VET certificate as a part of their studies.
The VPC is also an Applied Learning Program that sits outside of the VCE. The VPC is not a Senior Secondary qualification. The VPC is particularly suited to students who have missed periods of school; vulnerable students at risk of disengaging from their education; or students with additional needs. Those who study the VPC in Year 11 and/or 12 might be heading into the VCE VM, work or apprenticeships.
These exciting developments are continuing to evolve and over the coming months we will keep you informed of what is happening in the Senior School Pathways not only here at the College, but also within our State. If you have any questions please feel free to direct them to Kirsty Allan at allank@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Kirsty Allan
VCAL Coordinator.
On Sunday the 27th of March, Saint Ignatius College hosted our inaugural Golf Day at Curlewis Golf Club.
Golfers enjoyed 18 holes of golf, followed by lunch and a brief College address from our Old Ignatian President Dr. Brenden Maxwell Borosh, our College Captain Sam Hines, a Year 7 student Addison Lewis, and Bill Jennings from Time and Space.
Saint Ignatius College would like to thank our sponsors for their support for this day.
It was a wonderful day, and we look forward to our second SICG Golf Day, hosted by The Old Ignatians on Sunday March the 26th, 2023 at Lonsdale Links.
Elana Cole
Development Manager.
W/C 4/4/2022 | |
---|---|
4th | B.Brinfield, E.Dear |
5th | K.James, S.Peters, S.Twaits, C.Rivo |
6th | C.Holland, NEEDED. |
7th | M.White, B.Collins. |
8th | No Canteen: P&T Interviews |
W/C 25/4/2022 | ||
---|---|---|
25th | No Canteen: ANZAC Day | |
26th | K.Allchin, NEEDED. | |
27th | NEEDED, NEEDED. | |
28th | M.White, C.Wade. | |
29th | E.Stokie, K.Royle. |
Mrs. Sandra Woodall.
Canteen Manager.
Roblox is a sandbox game that many parents think is cute and completely fine for little kids to play. It can be, if you have the proper parental controls, but most parents don’t. It is also fine if you sit and supervise your kids’ use of Roblox, but let’s be honest, we are all busy, and most of us use our kids’ gaming as time for ourselves - a little time out. And that is ok as long as you have everything set up correctly.
There is always a risk of grooming and your child seeing something that makes them feel upset or uncomfortable.
In every session that we ever hold with kids, a vast percentage say that they do not tell their parents when they see something terrible online or something happens because they are scared you will ban them from gaming.
Please never ban your kids from using games if they speak up, and if you do, you may drive every conversation you want to have with them underground and be entirely in the dark about what is going on. Absolutely ban them if they break a rule like having their phones in their room after a 6pm curfew for example. But please never ban them is they speak up. They are often just asking for help.
Recently there was a story published on the BBC that I will not share because the content is offensive. So instead, I have copied the link here, but please be advised that I am letting you know there is a big trigger warning from me before you click through. It discusses sex, Sex fetishes, sexualized violence, and anti-semitism.
If you do want to read it, you can click here:
https://www.bbc.com/news/techn...
Roblox has an issue with what we call “Condo” games. They are there for a short time (usually only an hour or so) before they are reported to or discovered by the Roblox algorithm and taken down in a reasonable attempt to keep kids safe. The rate of these “condo games” generated will only make this more complicated.
Here are a few tips for your child’s Roblox account:
Don’t use your real name or your child’s name to sign up.
Make sure your password is at least eight digits long with upper and lower-case letters, plus a number included.
Change the passwords at least every school holidays.
Enable account restrictions by clicking here and following the steps:
https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/...
Through the above link, Roblox has some great safety tips. Please take the time to work through them all with your child. They will then learn to do this with every game they use with your guidance.
Please make sure you tell them that they can talk to you about anything they see online that makes them upset or feel uncomfortable without the risk of being banned from playing.
Keep gaming consoles and use of games in the family room.
Make sure that kids know that they tell you immediately if anyone asks them to follow them on another app or game (like TikTok). If anyone asks them to be their boyfriend or girlfriend online, this happens a lot and could be online grooming. Be vigilant. These people are on the other side of a screen, and your kids are safe as long as they are brave enough to speak up and get help - an important life skill.
Make sure your kids know that if anyone threatens or bullies them on a game if they speak up and tell you or another trusted adult immediately that you can help them. Teach them how to take a screenshot. Kids always tell me that they get anxious, angry, and agitated when gaming. Especially if time up is when they are right about to complete something. Some kids, who are Neuro Diverse, often love gaming but struggle a little more than others to control their anger when they have been gaming.
One thing I have suggested, and I have seen it work through experimenting with close family and friends. Buy them a sketchbook and encourage them to draw and design their games. It is like journaling for a gamer - it calms their mind, helps them regulate, engages creativity. They love it! You will soon see them spending hours working on the drawings of the characters, writing the script and design of their game. I have even seen kids plan it right down to listing the songs they want to use in their games. We can never discount the fact that there is a lot of opportunity for kids in the gaming industry - everything from being a music producer through to gamification of training in the corporate sector. Encourage the good stuff through responsible gaming – check the classifications and set restrictions that work for you and your kids.